Gerald H. Waddill

Gerald H. Waddill age 94 of Macomb, formerly of Plymouth, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.  He was born December 12, 1926 in Macomb, to John and Mildred Allison Waddill.  He was united in marriage to Ella Mae Wayland on September 20, 1947 in Colchester.  She preceded him on June 7, 2021.

 Surviving to mourn his passing are 3 daughters: Janet (Stephen) Hopper, Macomb, Debbie (Mike) Sullivan, Colchester, Lori Waddill (John Taylor), Moline; 5 grandchildren: Nate (Lisa) Hopper, Amanda (Marc) Roman, Tracie (Keith) Anderson, Abby (Jared) Greenwald, Michael (Xandra) Sullivan; 9 great grandchildren: Charlie and Atticus Roman, Conor Hopper, Taylor Anderson, Torie  (Trenton) Kreps, Miriam and Phinehas Greenwald, and Violet and Sebastian Sullivan and 1 great great granddaughter: Amara Kreps, a very special nephew: Todd Simmons, and many nieces and nephews. 

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved wife, his girl of 73 years, Ella Mae.

Gerald grew up during the Depression and learned at an early age the meaning of hard work, responsibility, and family.  He was a member of Hills Grove United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent, member and president of the church board, and the Hills Grove cemetery board.  

Gerald started serving his country at the age of 17, in the United States Navy as a 3rd class gunners mate on the USS Samar, during World War 2.  During his time in the Navy he was involved with the Okinawa occupation and had duty in China.  He was a member of the Plymouth American Legion.  

He was active in the community of Plymouth serving on the Plymouth School Board as a member and president; he was also the mayor of Plymouth for many years.  Farming and carpentry were his ways of supporting and caring for his family. Gerald enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, enjoying and helping Ella Mae with her flowers, playing pool and meeting his friends in the morning at the firehouse for coffee. 

Gerald touched many lives in his life journey.  He was a good man who loved his “girlfriend”, loved and encouraged his girls, always their rock. He would often say that he raised crops and livestock, but the best thing he raised was his girls.

Graveside services for both Gerald and Ella Mae will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 19, 2021, at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Macomb, with Rev. Jim Clayton. Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, July 18, 2021.   Visitation with the family will be 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. .  Memorials can be made to the American Legion Post in Plymouth and the Tri-County Rescue Squad.

 Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.jonesmortuaryfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald H. Waddill, please visit our floral store.